Just Transition Commission calls for greater support for farmers
The Just Transition Commission says decisions taken over the coming years will shape rural Ireland, food production and land use for generations.
THE Just Transition Commission has published a new report warning that Ireland has entered a critical period for deciding the future of its food, agriculture and land-use systems.
With climate impacts intensifying, biodiversity loss continuing and major national and European policy reforms under way, the Commission says decisions taken over the coming years will shape rural Ireland, food production and land use for generations.
It argues that Government must now provide a clear long-term direction so farmers, communities and businesses can plan with confidence.
The report builds on the Commission’s earlier calls for a National Just Transition Strategy and a National Climate Dialogue, and its wider work on embedding just transition principles into the design and delivery of climate policy across Ireland’s economy.
The Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use report, which outlines 10 recommendations for an effective transition, recognises that many farmers are already taking significant steps to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and participate in environmental schemes.
However, it concludes that the willingness to act is increasingly undermined by uncertainty about future policy, land-use priorities, and long-term investment supports.
The Commission argues that greater clarity is now essential if Ireland is to deliver a planned, fair and effective transition.
Chair of the Just Transition Commission Ali Sheridan said the Agriculture and Land Use Report is about “more than agriculture.”
"It is about the future of Ireland's food system, how we use our land, the resilience of rural communities, biodiversity, water, and the opportunities available to future generations. Questions about food production, land use, nature restoration, and rural livelihoods can no longer be considered separately. During our engagements for this report, the Commission heard a broad recognition that change is necessary, and that agriculture has an important role to play in achieving Ireland’s climate and environmental objectives,” Ms Sheridan explained.
"Many farmers are already taking steps to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and participate in environmental schemes. However, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the future direction of agricultural policy, land-use priorities and the long-term supports that will be available to support transition. The Commission also heard that farmers are more likely to engage with climate and biodiversity measures where there is clarity, fairness and confidence that their contribution will be recognised and rewarded,” the chair continued.
Ms Sheridan said the Just Transition Commission believes that “providing greater clarity on the pathway ahead is now an urgent priority.”
“As climate risks increase and significant policy decisions approach, prolonged uncertainty risks undermining confidence, delaying investment and weakening trust in the transition process. A clear, credible and shared direction of travel will be essential if Ireland is to maintain public trust and deliver a transition that is both effective and fair,” Ms Sheridan concluded.